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Greenlight
COMMUNITY CLASSIFIEDS
THE BEE's want ads are named Greenlight "Community Classifieds", to highlight additional reader and advertiser benefits.
An important innovation is that classified ads placed in THE BEE may also be available at the new Greenlight Classified Internet website at the HotLink below!
In addition, Greenlight Community Classifieds now offer the additional service of in-column photographs of vehicles and homes for sale. The photos can not only appear in THE BEE, but on the website as well.
Greenlight Community Classifieds appear each month in THE BEE, and can also reach up to a half million additional readers by being published in other newspapers in the "Community Newspapers" group, including the weekly Clackamas Review, Oregon City News, Lake Oswego Review, and West Linn Tidings; the monthly Sherwood Gazette, and Southwest Community Connection; the twice-weekly Gresham Outlook and Portland Tribune; and up to seven other newspapers in the group.
To get information or place your classified ad by phone, here's the number to call: 503/620-7355!
Now, click on the button below, and read the Greenlight "Community Classifieds"!
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INNER SOUTHEAST PORTLAND'S BUSINESS NEWS!
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| Josh Pincetich, proprietor of Haggis McBaggis, stamps the Passport of visitor Shawna Egge. (Photo by David F. Ashton) |
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“Passport” promotion boosts local shopping in recession
By DAVID F. ASHTON
for THE BEE
With colorful balloons flying along city streets and hundreds of people carrying a “Passport to Sellwood and Westmoreland” from business to business on August 8, it was clear to see that this merchant promotion resonated with the public.
“Participating merchants stamp visitors’ Passports,” explained Elaine Uding, this year’s event chair, a board member of the Sellwood-Westmoreland Business Alliance (SWBA), and Branch Manager of the Westmoreland Wells Fargo Bank. “No purchase is necessary, and collecting merchant stamps qualifies participants to win some great prizes.”
Visitors with at least eight stamps, we learned, were entered into drawing in which they could win gift certificates donated by participating businesses. And, Passport holders with 15 or more stamps were eligible to win the grand prizes, including a weekend getaway at Cannon Beach.
As folks strolled from shop to shop, they were met with sidewalk sales, were entertained by live music, and were amazed by master magician Tim Alexander.
At the Meyer Boys and Girls Club on S.E. Milwaukie Avenue in Westmoreland, Providence Milwaukie Hospital and Northwest Primary Care hosted a free health fair, in conjunction with the Passport promotion.
“We also think it’s important to address health concerns in the community,” explained organizer Carrie Kikel, Providence Milwaukie’s public relations manager. “Our theme is ‘Sustainable, Environmentally Conscious, and Safe’. There are also exhibits by master gardeners and master recyclers.”
At the health fair, Linda Kobo looked on, while her daughter, Lily, quietly sat in her lap. A team member from the Josiah Hill III Clinic was drawing blood, testing it for lead. “Some of the neighbors are really concerned about lead in their homes, their water, or in toys. We’re also doing tests for women who are pregnant or nursing,” Kikel pointed out.
Overall, the weekend Passport event was successful due to the efforts of volunteers from the business association, Uding smiled. “I especially appreciate the help we got from the Chair of the past events, Debbie Hamada at Tilde in Sellwood.”
Uding said she took on the project because she believes that having a core of successful local businesses in an area improves the overall community. “We have a good number of small businesses, providing a wide variety of goods and services, about which we would like our neighbors to know. Bringing the community together with a fun event helps make it stronger.”
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| Cindy Sherman, owner of Cravin’ Raven, Sellwood’s new organic bakery, at 8339 S.E. 13th Avenue. (Photo by Rita A. Leonard) |
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Organic bakery opens in Sellwood
By RITA A. LEONARD
for THE BEE
Believing there to be local demand for “tasty, organic baked goods”, owner Cindy Sherman opened Cravin’ Raven Bakery in July at 8339 S.E. 13th Avenue in Sellwood.
She reports that her baked goods are made with no white sugar, white flour, or butter. “Nutrition has been a passion for me,” said Sherman. “I started to create things I’d like to eat, but couldn't find locally.” Her organic products feature muffins, quick breads and cupcakes, and she’s currently developing an organic pancake batter for special orders.
“News of our opening seems to be passing by word-of-mouth, and we’re especially busy on weekends,” she confided.
Walk-in traffic has been brisk, as Cravin’ Raven offers a clean, inviting addition to the south end of Antique Row. “Our gluten- and dairy-free cookies are very popular,” reported Sherman. “I hope to soon add whole-grain breads and bagels to our product line.” One of her customers piped up, “This is awesome; it tastes so good, you'd never know it was healthy and organic.”
The small bakery has outdoor seating for eight when weather allows. Formerly the site of “My Favorite Things”, the corner shop offers a tasty break for local shoppers. “People really like the blueberry and raspberry mini-loaves and the cookies,” smiled Sherman.
“We also have an organic dog and cat treat corner featuring products from Eastmoreland E-tailer ‘Reigning Pets Northwest’, whose owner Amy E. Frankwick can be contacted via her Internet website, www.reigningpetsnorthwest.com. She offers an interesting selection, including sweet potato chews and cookies for dogs, as well as catnip items.”
The new bakery’s own website is online at: www.cravinraven.com; shop is open Tuesday-Saturday, 7 am to 3:30 pm, and Sundays from 7:30-3:30. Call them at 503/349-4965.
Foster Road’s “A-Boy” is back in business
By CHRISTINA COOKE
The Tigard Times
Special to THE BEE
After a nine-week liquidation sale and 10 days out of business, the Foster Road institution A-Boy Electric & Plumbing is back up and running.
Dan Dolan, who had co-owned the Tigard store with his siblings, bought the whole local chain outright on July 1st, including the Foster Road location. He is confident the liquidation and restructuring he has overseen over the last few months will be enough to revive the business his father started in 1970.
“I’m optimistic I can make this thing fly again,” Dolan said.
After sales plummeted by 15 percent last October and November, and 20 percent last December, the Dolan family decided to close four of its six A-Boy locations.
The two most successful locations, the Hollywood District and Barbur Boulevard stores in Portland, stayed open, but the store on Foster Road, as well as the stores on Vaughn Street in Portland, in Tigard, and in Vancouver, Washington, held liquidation sales from April 23 to June 20, and then closed their doors.
Dolan opposed these closures all along, he says, and on the first of July, he purchased all but the Vancouver location for nearly $1 million. He added that he is working hard to streamline operations. He eliminated the company’s central warehouse in Northwest Portland and consolidated the controller, human resources, payroll and credit manager positions into one.
During the liquidation sale, which he described as “a bottom-sweeper’s field day,” he unloaded products the stores had not been able to sell for years, like a cobalt blue triple bowl cast iron kitchen sink that just wouldn’t go away.
“It’s been a painful process, but when we come out of it on the backside, we’ll be a leaner, meaner, better-run organization,” Dolan said. “The new incarnation of A-Boy will be more focused on plumbing and electrical products than the houseware and hardware items that customers can find at places like Fred Meyer. We have a lot of product on the way.”
While store employees are still in the process of cleaning and organizing merchandise, Dolan expected the stores to be operating somewhat normally by mid-August.
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| Woodstock resident Jake Brown opened his El Gallo Taqueria in The Joinery’s parking lot on Woodstock Boulevard. Brown says his is the only food cart on the boulevard between S.E. 82nd and 39th Avenues. (Photo by Merry MacKinnon) |
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Food cart opens in The Joinery’s parking lot
By MERRY MacKINNON
for THE BEE
When Jake Brown first considered a location for setting up his food cart, he was careful not to crowd in on others. Now, after opening his “El Gallo Taqueria” in The Joinerys parking lot at 4804 S.E. Woodstock Boulevard, he reports that his is the only food cart on Woodstock between S.E. 82nd and 39th Avenues. He sells tacos, burritos, tostadas, salads and a variety of specials.
When Brown moved to Portland from Nevada seven years ago, he expected to remain here only long enough to complete cooking classes at Western Culinary Institute. But, after graduating and working at highly regarded local restaurants like Genoa, Meriwether’s, and the Saucebox, Brown decided to put down roots in a Portland neighborhood, and chose Woodstock, where he bought a house two years ago.
In mid-July, he deepened his connection to Woodstock when he opened that food cart
“I wanted to cook food for the people in my neighborhood, on the street, [served] on a first-name basis,” he says.
Brown isn’t of Mexican heritage, but he figured that serving Mexican food with a Spanish influence made sense, since that was his own favorite cuisine. At his former workplaces he normally cooked French and Italian dishes but, after hours, he tended to eat Mexican.
Even though Genoa, the last restaurant where he was employed, closed last November due to the recession, Brown felt confident about his new enterprise, despite the economic downturn.
“I couldn’t see spending the $200,000 to $300,000 it cost to open a restaurant,” he explains. “But I wasn’t daunted by the economy either, because street food in Portland is very affordable, friendly, and popular.”
Initially, Brown kept running into dead ends, as he went around to neighborhood businesses, asking them to lease him a spot for his cart.
"They didn't want to give up parking lot space," he recalls wryly.
Then, a friend told him about a “Craigslist” ad placed by The Joinery's owner Marc Gaudin, inviting a food cart to set up in the parking lot next to the handcrafted furniture store’s showroom.
“When I started this, being a simple person, I started with a handshake,” recalls Gaudin. “And I told him, ‘I’m not going to charge you for a couple of months. Get your business started, and we'll see how it goes.’” According to Gaudin, Brown will start paying for his spot in September.
Meanwhile, Brown’s business is growing, as word gets out. After all, Brown adds, just because he operates out of a food cart – selling a variety of tacos for $2 each, as well as house specialties that average $6.50 apiece – doesn’t mean his food isn’t gourmet quality.
“My specials will rotate into Spanish-inspired cuisine,” he explains.
To maintain quality, he says, Brown buys his meats from Willamette Valley farmers and, in season, his vegetables are local too, purchased largely at farmers markets. He creates his own habanero-based hot sauce, which Brown calls “Melt Your Face” salsa.
He’s also attracting supportive customers – one of whom, Brown says, told him, “All you have to do is get this food into people’s mouths, and they will come back.”
The “El Gallo Taqueria” food cart is open Tuesdays through Saturdays, noon to 7 pm.
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| John Harris will discuss promoting a business with video at the September AHB meeting in Sellwood, September 17 6-9 pm. |
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AHB features “using video effectively in small business”. At this month’s public meeting of the area-wide Association of Home Businesses, Thursday September 17, 6-9 pm, in addition to the usual buffet supper, the interactive program will feature John Harris of Horsepower Productions, speaking about and demonstrating “Five Things You Need to Know about Relating to Your Clients with Video”. You don’t need to have a home business to attend this business association meeting! First-time visitors pay the members’ rate of $10 for the meal and evening, which takes place at Sellwood’s SMILE Station, S.E. 13th one block south of Tacoma Street, on the southeast corner of Tenino. RSVP’s requested for meal planning. For information and to reserve, visit online: www.ahboregon.org, or call Eric at 503/232-2326.
“Pogo’s” changes name. The iconic Westmoreland bar “Pogo’s”, on the west side of S.E. Milwaukie a half block north of Bybee Boulevard, in August took down its sign, replaced by a hand-written notice in the window that it henceforth would apparently be known as “Cosmo Lounge”.
One business expands; two new ones open. “Sock Dreams” will host a Grand Opening Celebration for its second location, in Sellwood, on September 15. With a lease on a “sweet little Victorian” at 8005 S.E. 13th Avenue, owner Monique Natosi says she is delighted to open a retail outlet in the neighborhood she loves. “Our main store and warehouse will remain at 725 S.E. Powell Boulevard, and our online business and service will continue undisturbed,” she says. “We displayed signs in the windows of our historic new building (the B. F. Smith House - 1892) in time for ‘Passport to Sellwood and Westmoreland’ weekend in August.” Meantime, in the Brooklyn neighborhood, Owner Tim Jorgensen announces the opening of “Houndogs Bar & Grill” at 4463 S.E. Milwaukie Avenue, the former site of Terry’s Inn. “I’ve changed and updated the whole interior, which is now a full service bar with tables for 40, and 15 seats at the bar,” he says. Houndogs features “12 different nationalities of hot dogs, 8 different half-pound hamburgers, and halibut fish & chips, with neighborhood-friendly prices.” Open seven days a week. And in Sellwood, Uhluhtech Skate Shop has opened at 8021 S.E. 17th Avenue. Owner David Fisher offers a place where kids can hang out and watch skateboard videos, practice limited skating indoors, and compare notes with friends. “I get along well with teenagers,” says Fisher. “I have two of my own: One at Cleveland and one at Sellwood Middle School. This is a great place for them to visit, and there are several places to buy fast food nearby.” Open Monday-Saturday 10 am-8 pm, and Sundays from 11 am to 6 pm. Phone 503/232-1961. (Rita A. Leonard)
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| Caprial’s Westmoreland Kitchen closed its doors in mid-August, just south of S.E. Bybee Boulevard on Milwaukie Avenue. |
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Recession claims famous restaurant. For seventeen years, Caprial’s Bistro – recently renamed Caprial’s Westmoreland Kitchen – has been the most famous restaurant in Inner Southeast Portland, renowned not only for its exceptional food but also for the national Public Television cooking show hosted by its co-owner, Caprial Pence. Struggling with previous taxes which had been the cause of a bankruptcy filing in 2006, and finally claimed by the slowing business in the current business downturn, the restaurant closed its doors late Sunday night, August 16, and the space is now marked for lease. The business had been owned and operated by Caprial and John Pence, husband and wife. Five employees were discharged in the closing. According to published reports, the couple has opened a small cooking school near Burnside, and may offer periodic family-style meals for about $35 per person. The address and telephone number of the new enterprise are given as 607 S.E. Ankeny Street, and 503/239-8771. THE BEE recognizes the important role that the pair has played in developing today’s exceptional dining scene throughout Inner Southeast Portland, and wishes them the best.
Two Westmoreland businesses apply for liquor licenses. Two restaurants with a focus on coffee and associated food items have applied for Limited On Premises Sales Licenses for the sale of malt beverages, wine, and cider for consumption on the premises. Both told the OLCC that they did not plan to change the character and nature of their businesses. In both cases, the application came after the business sold. One came from Derek Mueller at Marsee Bakery, 1625 S.E. Bybee Boulevard; the other from Cynthia Milbrandt at Mocha Momma’s Good Coffee at 6116 S.E. Milwaukie Avenue.
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| After over 40 years in at S.E. 13th and Umatilla in Sellwood, K & K Color Labs closed its doors at the end of August. |
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Landmark Sellwood film lab closes its doors. K & K Color Labs, a Sellwood institution at S.E. 13th and Umatilla Street, sent the following e-mail to its customers on August 10th, an apparent casualty to digital photography: “Dear K & K Customers, After 43 years of serving the photographic industry, we are announcing the closure of K & K Color Lab. We will continue to receive orders up until August 21st and completing orders up until August 31st. Thank you so much for your years of patronage. We have enjoyed your friendship and will miss you all. Sincerely, Bob, Kristin, Kathryn, and Karen”. Local photographer Jak Tanenbaum of Photography Associates in Sellwood, who called THE BEE’s attention to the announcement, told us, “Owning a portrait studio in the neighborhood, I’m going to miss the convenience, their high quality work and their wonderful customer service during the digital transition.”
Lead paint issues a focus of Landlord Study Hall. The monthly “Landlord Study Hall” in Woodstock this month features “Lead Paint Disclosures and How this Affects Your Liability”. These hour-and-a-half seminars are free to landlords and unlicensed individuals in the community, but RSVPs are required – to 503/772-8825. The seminar starts at 6:30 pm on Wednesday evening, September 9, at All Saints Episcopal Church, 4033 S.E. Woodstock Boulevard. Sponsored by Woodstock realtor Kathryn King and colleagues.
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| Teal Academy and Salon N.W. held an official Grand Opening on Saturday, August 15th, on S.E. 13th Avenue in Sellwood. |
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New businesses open in Sellwood/Westmoreland. Chuck Martin, new Executive Director of the SWBA – Sellwood-Westmoreland Business Alliance – recognizes several new businesses in the neighborhood: “Magnifique Boutique”, a bridal store at 8535 S.E. 13th Avenue owned by Jennie Streitberger. “Rose City Imports”, at 8435 S.E. 17th, is owned by Sal Alsudairy, and imports foreign cars and boats. “The Woods” is a music and libations venue in the old Wilhelm’s building at 6637 S.E. Milwaukie Avenue; the Propietor is Vivien Lyon. Libations Wine Bar will be opening in October at 1665 S.E. Bybee, owned by Tracee Danyluk (the space used to be part of Tres Fabu). Sellwood Yoga, owned by Bill Wylund, has opened at 7970-B S.E. 13th. Debra Lee-Thornby, MA, has opened a marriage and family therapy practice in Suite 102, 7972 S.E. 13th. Metagoddess, located in the Masonic Temple at 7126 S.E. Milwaukie Avenue has expanded with additional associates, and is now operating under the name of “The Sweet Nest”. “H2H Squared” is a home-based business that specializes in home redesign and staging (preparing to sell). The owner is Janet McLaughlin, and she can be reached at 503/421-7176. “Cravin’ Raven Bakery” is now open at 8339 S.E. 13th. Cindy Sherman is the owner. “Playful Intervention LLC” is a child counseling professional service at 7824 S.E. 13th owned by Charla Cunningham, LMFT. John Bentley has opened “Bentley’s Sleep Solutions” at 8079 S.E. 13th. They specialize in bedding for people with back issues. Ryan and Deannalyn Teal have opened Teal Academy and Salon N.W. at 7970 S.E. 13th, next to Fitness Together. Debra Serlin, DO, has opened a chiropractic practice at 6108 SE Milwaukie Avenue, next to Mocha Momma’s Coffee. David Fisher has opened Uhlutech Skating to market skate boards at 8021 S.E. 17th. And, in a hopeful economic note, Chuck adds, “While we still have 27 spaces or buildings for sale/for lease, we have seen a number of new businesses joining us.”
Former “BEE building” gets a facelift. Although many are still under the impression that THE BEE is still based in the building on the southwest corner of S.E. 13th and Tacoma in Sellwood, it has not been for some twenty years. These days it is home to Kim’s Taekwon-do and Elixia Wellness group, and the building’s current owner has received a grant from the Portland Development Commission (PDC) to make improvements to the building, according to Cynthia Brown of Kim’s Taekwon-do, LLC.
Business changes reported in Sellwood. Area businesspeople have informally reported to THE BEE that G.R. Scrubs, the cleaning store at S.E. 13th and Umatilla in Sellwood, closed its doors on August 14th; THE BEE has not gotten official notification of this as a permanent closure, but the store is empty and its signage is gone. Meantime, Sellwood Antique Mall across from the Sellwood Branch Library has announced greatly shortened hours of operation – Friday and Saturday only, noon till 5. The building immediately north of the Mall has been demolished, and reportedly the owner plans to build a new business building there, with no tenant announced at this time.
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| This painting by Luciano Monetti, entitled “Road to Buonconvento”, is among those on display this month at the Brooklyn neighborhood’s Janovec Gallery. |
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Italian artist featured at Janovec Gallery. Painter Luciano Monetti’s tranquil country images will be featured in September, from the 3rd through the 27th, Thursday through Saturday each week, at the Brooklyn neighborhood’s Janovec Gallery, on the southeast corner of S.E. Milwaukie Avenue and Holgate Boulevard. There will additionally be a public reception for the artist, who now lives in Portland, on Friday, September 11, 6-9 pm at the Gallery.
Westmoreland artist in Burnside show. Marie Barton, a Westmoreland resident of 21 years who creates original, richly textured embroidery pieces from new and reused materials, is presenting a show and sale this September in an East Burnside venue entitled “Living Embroidery: Handwork in wool, cotton, linen and silk”. She explains that she depicts natural subjects using dimensional techniques and “my kind of crewel”, her unique way of handling fibers. They are intended to show her love of the Northwest area, especially trees. The show will be open to the public at “Gossamer”, 2418 East Burnside Street, from September 4th through 30th, 11 am-5 pm. An opening artist reception, open to the public, will be held Friday, September 4th, 4:30-7 pm.
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| This cityscape by Portland Artist Michelle Ramin, entitled “Southeast Sunnyside”, is among the artworks on display all month at Tilde in Sellwood. |
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Sellwood show for Portland artist Ramin. Tilde, 7919 SE 13th Avenue in Sellwood, will host a First Friday public reception 6-9 pm on Friday, September 4th, for Portland artist Michelle Ramin. Michele will be showing a series of abstract landscapes and cityscapes, as well as a brand new series focusing on the figurative image. The show will run through Sunday, September 27th.
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| For more information on the local, sociable, committed, low-pressure leads and referrals group, and its members, click on the ad above! |
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